With the worldwide success of actors like Brad Pitt and George Clooney, it would seem classic good looks make for the most promising Hollywood careers.
This is still too true for women in Hollywood, but there are some actors who defy this superficial rule, using their humor, charm and infectious charisma to capture audiences and huge box office numbers. From the funnyman prototype Jack Black to the boyishly awkward Michael Cera, numerous actors have found their niche without the help of chiseled jaw bones or a full head of gorgeous locks.
Which Hollywood leading men represent the everyday men around the world? Take a look through our slideshow below of 15 extremely talented but unconventionally handsome leading men.
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Adam Sandler
Comedian Adam Sandler has transformed from the boyish funnyman in "Billy Madison" into a multidimensional actor who has played a range of characters.
From the adorable "50 First Dates" to his touching role in "Funny People," Sandler has used his charisma and humor to create a dynamic career.
Zach Galifianakis
The magic of Zach Galifianakis comes from more than his amazing beard. His comedic timing is precise and unforced and his roles ooze a best bud familiarity that most viewers can't ignore.
With movies like "The Hangover" in his roster of huge successes, the actor has used his unique humor to make himself a standout among comedic actors.
Justin Long
He has boy-next-door looks, and most of Justin Long's movie roles have capitalized on his adorableness.
He isn't the stereotypical, chiseled heartthrob, but his boyish looks have landed him some major roles in films like "He's Just Not That Into You" and his lead in the romantic comedy "Going the Distance."
And it seems that even Drew Barrymore was captured by his cuteness -- the "Going the Distance" co-stars struck up a relationship after the movie finished filming.
Paul Giamatti
Paul Giamatti can truly do it all, moving between roles throughout his career with an ease that is comfortable and appealing to viewers. He is a real guy playing real roles without any of the fuss of more celebrated onscreen hunks.
Following his breakout role in "American Splendor," Giamatti has gone on to play a range of characters including a severely depressed writer in "Sideways," a performance that gained him a great deal of praise.
Peter Lorre
The Austrian-American actor Peter Lorre made quite a name for himself, defying the rules attached to the leading men of his day. With his sharp features and sleepy eyes, Lorre captured viewers not with his looks but with his strengths as an actor.
He ultimately claimed iconic roles in films like "The Maltese Falcon" and the gangster Ugarte in "Casablanca."
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Philip Seymour Hoffman's greatest strength comes in the depth of his acting ability.
He took home an Oscar for 2005's "Capote" and starred beside Meryl Streep in "Doubt," a testament to his ability to effectively capture the most intense characters.
Jack Black
No, Jack Black isn't the size of a male model, but who needs conventional good looks when you can fearlessly tackle any movie role no matter how ridiculous? With his gusto and huge personality, Black has successfully nurtured a career based mostly on being unapologetically silly.
From "School of Rock" to "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny" and "Nacho Libre," Black fully commits to his roles and has gained a big following of fans who enjoy every minute of his wild antics.
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey is whimsical, ridiculous and even a little crazy -- see "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" and "Dumb and Dumber" for a taste of his madness. But there is more to the comedy heavyweight than endless jokes, and 2004's "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" boldy displayed his ability to shift into more serious roles.
He put on a stirring performance in the film, making for a welcomed addition to his list of successful leading roles.
Will Ferrell
One of the most adored funnymen is the wildly charming Will Ferrell. He isn't afraid to be silly and this gift to make people laugh has paid off, possibly too well seeing that Forbes <a href="http://redirect.viglink.com?key=11fe087258b6fc0532a5ccfc924805c0&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ivillage.com%2Fwho-was-named-most-overpaid-actor%2F1-a-296415">named him the most overpaid actor</a> in Hollywood in 2010.
With the current buzz surrounding his return to the anchor desk as newsman Ron Burgundy in "Anchorman 2," Ferrell has perfected the comedic formula while crafting some memorable lead characters.
Michael Cera
From "Superbad" to "Juno" and "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," Michael Cera is the nerd-boy go-to.
He has taken the lead in several successful films that capitalized on his unique charm and made him a niche sex symbol for those that are drawn to the quiet, awkward types.
Ben Stiller
Though he played a fresh-faced pretty boy in "Zoolander," Ben Stiller hasn't always been a leading man. Early in his career he stared in dramas like "Permanent Midnight," eventually finding his greatest success with comedies like "There's Something About Mary" and "Tropic Thunder."
Steve Buscemi
Brooklyn-born Steve Buscemi used his hand in the genetic lottery to carve out an extremely successful career for himself.
He toed the leading man line with supporting type roles in films like "Reservoir Dogs" and "Fargo." But he rose to the top as the main man on HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" where he plays the bold but morally lacking city treasurer Nucky Thompson.
Jesse Eisenberg
Jessie Eisenburg exudes a natural awkwardness, a trait that has served him well as he has tackled roles like playing Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in "The Social Network."
With both a Golden Globe and SAG Award nomination already under his belt, his quirky charm is undeniable.
Steve Carell
With the sex appeal of a really adorable postman or your grandma's favorite bank teller, Steve Carell has created a pretty successful niche for himself.
From the maddening yet sweet regional manager of Dunder Mifflin on "The Office" to his roles in "The 40 Year Old Virgin" and "Date Night," Carell has mastered using his humor and warm personality to connect his "regular guy" characters with viewers.
Rainn Wilson
Dwight Schrute on NBC's "The Office" has brought Rainn Wilson into homes across the country. With his super nerdy appearance, Wilson has the socially awkward roles down.
Still with films like 2008's "The Rocker" and the 2011's dark comedy "Super," Wilson showed leading man promise, using his humor and personality to nail roles that didn't involve flexing his intellectual abilities.
